Definition

1. Noun:
   • Subject / Vassal: A person who owes allegiance and service to a monarch, such as a king or emperor. This term refers specifically to those in a feudal or hierarchical relationship of subservience to a ruler.
   • Servant (in a royal context): A court official or retainer serving in the royal court or administration.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Các bầy tôi quỳ lạy trước mặt nhà vua. (The subjects knelt before the king.)
  • Bầy tôi trung thành của hoàng đế đã hi sinh vì đất nước. (The emperor's loyal vassal sacrificed himself for the country.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "bầy tôi" is now primarily historical or literary. In modern contexts, it might be used metaphorically or ironically to describe extreme, old-fashioned loyalty or subservience.
  • Anh ta cư xử như một bầy tôi ngoan ngoãn của ông chủ. (He behaves like an obedient servant of his boss.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bề tôi (n): This is a direct variant with identical meaning and usage (subject, vassal).
  • Bề tôi không dám trái lệnh. (The subject dares not disobey the command.)

Synonyms

• Subject: One who is under the authority of a monarch.
• Vassal: A holder of land by feudal tenure on conditions of homage and allegiance.
• Retainer: A servant or attendant, especially in a royal household.

Related Idioms

• Làm tôi mọi: To serve slavishly or be in servitude.
  • Họ không muốn làm tôi mọi cho ngoại bang. (They do not want to be in servitude to a foreign power.)

1. xem bề tôi